Cooper Flagg has found it challenging to win since turning professional, despite a successful high school and college career.
With the Dallas Mavericks, the 2025-26 NBA season has not seen many victories, even with Flagg’s efforts. The team is struggling to be a playoff contender, leaving Flagg to navigate a difficult first year in the league.
“It’s been tough. In high school and college, I only lost four games last year. This season has definitely been mentally taxing,” Flagg shared in a recent interview on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Flagg discussed his disappointment with the Mavericks’ performance but recognizes it as part of his development as a professional.
“I’m not having the success I hoped for. We’ve faced many injuries and unfortunate events. It hasn’t been ideal. I’m growing and learning along the way, but it’s not the start I wanted. I hope to look back and see how much I’ve learned from it.”
Flagg was drafted first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, shortly after the Mavericks made a surprising trade involving Luka Doncic.
Anthony Davis, who was part of that trade from the Los Angeles Lakers, struggled with injuries during his time in Dallas and was eventually traded to the Washington Wizards. Additionally, the Mavericks are missing Kyrie Irving for the entire season due to injury and have dealt with numerous other injuries.
Despite these challenges, Flagg is meeting expectations, averaging 20.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game this season.